Understanding Ontario Regulation 304/03, Voter Identification from the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
For more detailed information of this regulation, please visit O. Reg. 304/13 VOTER IDENTIFICATION | ontario.ca
What this regulation is for:
This regulation specifies the identification people need to vote in a municipal election.
In short: when you go to vote, you must show proof of your identity and where you live.
What kind of ID works
You need to bring one document that shows both:
- your name
- your qualifying residential address (where you live or the address that qualifies you as a voter)
This document must be original, or a properly certified copy.
Examples of acceptable documents
Some of the many types of documents you can use include:
- An Ontario driver’s licence
- Ontario Photo Card or Ontario Health Card (if it shows name + address)
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (the portion listing address)
- A cancelled personalized cheque
- A mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement for a property in Ontario
- A utility bill, for example, electricity, water, gas, phone or cable/tv bill
- A bank or credit card statement, or other financial statements (for example, savings account, RRSP, etc.)
- A document issued by a government body (Canadian, Ontario, or municipal) that shows your name & address
- A notice of property-tax assessment
- Government benefit statements (like for pension, disability support, etc.)
- A document showing residence in a long-term care home, student residence, or an institution (if applicable)
Because the list is long, many different types of “official” or “formal” documents can work as long as the document shows your name and correct address.
What happens if you don’t have acceptable ID
If you don’t have one of the accepted documents, there’s another option: you can fill out a “Declaration of Identity” form. That can still allow you to vote.
Why this matters
- The rule helps make sure only eligible people, people who can prove they are who they say they are, and who really live (or qualify) at the address they claim, get to vote.
- It helps keep municipal elections fair and legitimate.
- Because the regulation accepts many kinds of documents (not only photo ID), it gives flexibility people can use common bills or official documents, not just a driver’s licence or passport.
